I am almost without words after reading this article about wounded vets driven from a public pool. Imagine having barely survived the horror of war in defense of your country only to be shunned when you return home because of your injuries. The debate isn’t about the war being right or wrong (I say it is dead wrong) but about the respect toward those that are told to fight and will sacrifice on behalf of those that may or may not appreciate their bravery. I think the outraged sentiment of most people is obvious but also true is the almost unbelievable sentiment of the grossly insensitive and intolerant. 
However, beyond the veteran angle are the basic feelings of people about the handicapped in general no matter how they became that way. Would any group of handicapped people make you uncomfortable enough to rudely voice that concern and demand your greedy pleasures? We long ago learned that skin colour was nothing to fear even in a pool. Perhaps we’ve learned almost nothing.
And now I’m curious about the Icelandic response to a similar situation. I wonder also because Iceland has a passion for swimming pools, spas, and hot pots that can be found in great numbers and in the most remote areas. A spa culture that prides itself on a healthy lifestyle and cultural openness. I think I’ll research this a bit from several angles. I hope that I’ll find that the Viking is more understanding and logical. The Íslendingur is highly fashionable but I hope that sense of fashion is less selfish than what I read about certain folks in the linked news report.
November 24th, 2007 at 1:35 pm
Wait a moment. One lady goes off on a bunch of vets who are doing their weekly therapy in a pool and the VETS get asked to leave?
Paid or not, I do not understand why the offensive woman in question was not asked to leave by pool staff. That’s well out of bounds on acceptable behaviour in public, as far as I’m concerned.
Astoundingly rude.
November 24th, 2007 at 2:34 pm
I wonder if this person is also upset with handicapped children who might visit this pool?
Perhaps a sweet down syndrome child might grate upon her sensibilities? A child with a bald head, after receiving chemo for cancer?
Perhaps this person is nostalgic for the Adolph Hitler days when those who might not measure up to the “Pure Aryan” ideal, were systematically gassed.
I’m sure she also might be of the ilk, who spit on returning POWs from the horror of VietCong Prison Camps, emaciated, on crutches, etc.
I hate this War, but 100% support those who serve.
PS. I am an American.
June 9th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
I am very affended by this. I have a step son that is handicapped. My fince happens to be paralyzed from chest down. Do to the fact some kid blew a stop sign and hit him while he was on his bike. He didnt ask to be that way. No body ever does. But its something that he has to deal with for the rest of his life. Just like everyone else does. Why make there life harder then what it already has been. Your driving down the road or even walking, You could get hurt. You wake up one morning and descover something is wrong and go to the docs. He comes and tells you you have cancer. You need to stop and think about all these kids who have a desease that is unexplanable. You think they asked for it. How about the parents who do drugs and mess there babys up. Do you think they asked for it. Do u think they ask for aids, cancer, or any of that. NO they dont it just happens. Handicapps are still people to just need more love then others. I guess if you dont have it in you you just dont have it. God for bid anything happen to you or a love oned that loves to go swimming and someone puts you in the same situation.You need JESUS! God Bless You